Mason Wines Queensland

Queensland’s best kept secret is it’s ability to produce premium wines since 1860.

The sunshine state has been growing exceptional grape varieties in the Granite Belt, Toowoomba, Mt Cotton and Mt Tamborine.

In particular, the cool climate of the Granite Belt, which is situated 1000 metres above sea level, has enabled winemakers to produce top shelf bottles with growing and ripening conditions unlike anywhere else in Australia.

Among the Granite Belt wine district is Mason Wines. The local producer operates a picturesque working winery at Ballandean and additional cellar doors in Mt Tamborine and Montville.

Mason Wines produces a wide variety of wines including a common variety for the region, Verdelho.

The straw-coloured 2015 verdelho is rich and full bodied with summer flavours such as green apple and passion fruit, making it the perfect blend for a light picnic lunch or seafood barbecue.

Those bringing out the picnic rugs mid-winter with Brisbane’s unexpected 28 degree days would benefit from Mason Wines’ new release 2016 picnic red.

The semi-sweet shiraz denotes notes of wild berries. As every shiraz or syrah in this climate should include, the picnic red gives a hint of spice, in this case black pepper and spicy red fruits.

However the medium bodied 2014 shiraz is a highlight amongst their wine list. The shiraz is well balanced with soft tannins, acidity and spicy red fruits.

The flavours are brought out with a quality cut of steak and is at its best when aerated correctly.

With three cellar doors around the state and an online shop, there is no excuse not try your own local Mason Wines.